Peña Search

09/29/2026

Before asking why fundraising isn't producing the desired results, boards should first examine the assumptions, investments, and actions that support revenue growth.

Five questions can help guide that conversation:
• Have we aligned compensation with responsibility?
• Are we personally involved in opening doors?
• Have we invested appropriately in systems and staff?
• Is our CEO actively engaged in the fundraising process?
• Is our revenue strategy aligned with our strategic plan?

When organizations answer these questions honestly and assign ownership for improvement, fundraising performance often strengthens.

The solution is rarely a single tactic or hire. More often, it is the result of stronger alignment between leadership, expectations, and organizational support.

This is part of a series drawn from Carlos Peña's article recently published in NonProfit PRO magazine.



Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at

Revenue challenges for nonprofit organizations often stem not from poor fundraising tactics, but from unrealistic expectations about how fundraising works. Misalignments between expectations, structure, and investment often determine success. Carlos Peña identifies five common expectation gaps that...

09/22/2026

The most successful fundraisers combine two critical abilities: communication and accountability.

Exceptional fundraisers can clearly communicate a mission, build trust with stakeholders, and inspire investment in an organization's vision.

At the same time, they understand the importance of measurable outcomes and can demonstrate the impact of their efforts through results.

The ability to blend storytelling with data creates credibility, strengthens donor relationships, and drives long-term fundraising success.

Heart matters. Results matter too.

This is part of a series drawn from Holly Peña's recent interview discussing nonprofit leadership and executive search.



Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at
https://penasearch.com/philanthropy-org-asks-holly-pena-six-questions-about-executive-search/

09/17/2026

The most successful fundraising organizations share one common trait: alignment between leadership, governance, and growth expectations.

Fundraising challenges are rarely caused by tactics alone. More often, they stem from gaps between organizational ambitions and the investments, engagement, and support required to achieve them.

Organizations that consistently succeed tend to have clarity around their funding model, shared ownership of fundraising between the board and staff, and a willingness to invest in talent, infrastructure, and compensation.

They also recognize the critical role CEOs play in building relationships with major donors and supporting transformational gifts.

When expectations rise but engagement and investment remain unchanged, revenue struggles often persist regardless of who occupies the chief development officer role.

Fundraising success is ultimately a leadership issue, not simply a fundraising issue.

This is part of a series drawn from Carlos Peña's article recently published in NonProfit PRO magazine.



Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at https://penasearch.com/fundraising-is-not-failing-expectations-are-misconceptions-about-revenue-growth/

09/15/2026

The strongest executive search firms do more than fill positions.

They serve as long-term partners to both organizations and candidates, helping ensure alignment beyond technical qualifications and experience.

In the nonprofit sector, mission fit and cultural alignment are often just as important as professional credentials. When those elements are overlooked, even highly qualified hires can struggle.

Successful executive searches focus on finding leaders who align with the organization's purpose, values, and long-term vision.

The goal isn't simply placement. It's lasting impact.

This is part of a series drawn from Holly Peña's recent interview discussing nonprofit leadership and executive search.



Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at
https://penasearch.com/philanthropy-org-asks-holly-pena-six-questions-about-executive-search/

09/09/2026

A strong mission is essential, but mission strength alone does not guarantee donor growth.

Donors are motivated by clarity, credibility, compelling communication, and trusted relationships. Even the most important causes must compete for attention and support in an increasingly crowded philanthropic landscape.

Effective fundraising requires clear differentiation, defined funding priorities, consistent messaging, and long-term relationship-building.

Organizations that assume donor support will naturally follow mission importance often underestimate the strategic effort required to expand philanthropic engagement.

Growth happens when organizations connect mission impact with a clear and compelling case for support.

This is part of a series drawn from Carlos Peña's article recently published in NonProfit PRO magazine.



Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at https://penasearch.com/fundraising-is-not-failing-expectations-are-misconceptions-about-revenue-growth/

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! We recognize and celebrate the dedication, hard work, and contributions of workers across the country. Thank you to the professionals who help businesses, organizations, and communities thrive every day.

We wish everyone a relaxing and well-deserved Labor Day.



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08/25/2026

Many executive candidates struggle with one critical skill: communicating their impact.

Too often, accomplishments are described in broad or subjective terms rather than supported with measurable results.

Boards and hiring committees want to understand outcomes. How much growth was achieved? What changed? What measurable value was created?

Executives who consistently track achievements, document results, and quantify their contributions tell a more compelling and credible leadership story.

Data doesn't replace leadership. It strengthens it.

This is part of a series drawn from Holly Peña's recent interview discussing nonprofit leadership and executive search.



First comment: Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at
https://penasearch.com/six-questions-with-executive-search-firm-pena-search/

08/20/2026

Caldwell Zoo is seeking a Senior Director of Development (Sr. DOD) to bring experience in fundraising practices to a brand-new development program.

The Sr. DOD will grow the relatively new Development Program to broaden the zoo’s philanthropic support base, including the long-term planning and full implementation of the current upper-level giving membership program.

Interested in learning more about this role? Connect with Travis Hillier or Carlos Peña and learn more about this opportunity.



https://penasearch.com/job/senior-director-of-development-caldwellzoo/

08/18/2026

Fundraising turnover is often viewed as a talent problem. More often, it's an alignment problem.

When expectations, compensation, and organizational support are out of sync, even strong fundraising leaders may struggle to succeed.

Boards and leadership teams that invest in professional development, provide meaningful internal support, and align compensation with both market realities and job expectations create stronger foundations for retention.

In today's competitive market, experienced fundraisers are constantly being recruited. Organizations that want to retain top talent must be intentional about creating environments where leaders can thrive.

Retention starts with support, alignment, and realistic expectations.

This is part of a series drawn from Holly Peña's recent interview discussing nonprofit leadership and executive search.



Want to read the full article? You can find it on the Peña Search Insights page at
https://penasearch.com/six-questions-with-executive-search-firm-pena-search/

08/13/2026

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for executing the organization’s philanthropic growth strategy, stewarding a portfolio of current donors at various stages of engagement, and developing a pipeline of new major donor relationships.

Successful individuals in this role will be collaborative, have a growth mindset, demonstrate integrity in all donor communications and interactions, be able to balance strategic thinking and ex*****on, and steward meaningful and transformative relationships on behalf of UWMD in support of its mission.

Connect with Travis Hillier or Amanda Rachelle and learn more about this opportunity.



https://penasearch.com/job/major-gifts-director-25274/